Bowie: "There were days of such psychological terror when making the Roeg film that I nearly started to approach my reborn, born again thing. There was a point when I very nearly got suckered into that narrow sort of looking…finding the cross as the salvation of mankind." In a interview on Ellen Degeneres' show, he said, "Budhism appealed to me and I thought ‘There’s salvation’. It didn’t really work. Then I went through Nietzsche, Satanism, Christianity, Pottery…" I love his range of vocals and how passionately they're sung. Bowie goes spriitual.
Yeah his diet consisted of cocaine, milk and peppers. He said he didn’t really remember writing/recording this album. That’s crazy! If I had to choose this is my favourite Bowie album , but will admit I love most of his albums he was and still is my Goat ✌️
He did a stunning live version of this on the MTV show Storytellers back in 1999 (the whole show is actually FANTASTIC), with his later line-up of Plati, Gabriels, Dorsey, Sterling & the magnificent Garson on keyboards. I don't understand why people dismiss his later bandmates, Bowie always spotted & surrounded himself with talent. You had to be on your toes to keep up with his enormous & varied catalog. I understand having favorites for sure, but ALL deserve respect.
The first time I heard this song, I was in Westport, Ct. next door to Dan Hartman's house, with an old girlfriend of mine. That was in 1976. Fast track to 1992: My late older brother met Bowie in NYC during the recording sessions for his 'Black Tie, White Noise' album. He spent an entire evening with David in the studio, talking to him, and listening to playbacks from the album, including this one: Bowie's version of Morrissey's "I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday".
in the beginning of the song, he's subdued, in despair, as the song progresses that changes to empowerment. This is a brilliant piece. One of the songs I cut my teeth on in the '70s. Absolutely brilliant stuff and STATIONTOSTATION was an immediate love for me as an album.
"Stay" from Station to Station "Always Crashing in the Same Car" from Low "The Bewlay Brothers" from Hunky Dory "I'm Deranged" from Outside "Lady Grinning Soul" or "Aladdin Sane" from Aladdin Sane "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide" from Ziggy Stardust. S'il vous plaît. Por favor. Please
Outstanding take for your first listen. Bowie was at the “jumping off place” and you’re right, this song was a turning point for him personally. You have a talent for breaking it all down. Great job! 👍🎹
His vocal performance on Wild as the Wind is only rivaled by Sweet Thing, imo and that probably doesn't count for much. Thank you for doing this masterpiece of an album. Stay is amazing. Love and RIP Bowie
You don't know (yet) how true your comment is about how he can change his voice. From song to song & even within one song. I always tell folks to listen to something like "Lady Grinning Soul" followed by "Cat People". How can that be one guy? lol (Another great bit of trivia is the story told by Pat Metheny, who collaborated on "This is Not America". After finishing most of the recording, Metheny said 'ok we'll bring in 2 girl singers for the backing vocals'. Bowie says, "hell with that, I'll do the 2 extra tracks". He proceeded to do what anyone would swear was FEMALE backing vocals. Listen to that sometime.)
Great reaction! One of my very favorite Bowie songs. Which is saying a lot because I have many many favorite Bowie songs. So good to hear a reaction to it!
It's definitely one of my favourite songs from Bowie,his vocals delivery towards the end gives me chills every time,very emotional song. Wild Is The Wing also from Station To Station is a same type of song,the song of desperation and longing. It's a cover of the song by Nina Simone,but you would never know it,because he sounds so sincere and confident in singing those lyrics.
*"Wild Is the WIND." It's interesting that Bowie often snuck in a cover on his albums during this era: "Fill Your Heart" on _Hunky Dory,_ "It Ain't Easy" on _Ziggy Stardust,_ "Let's Spend the Night Together" on _Aladdin Sane,_ (there wasn't one on _Diamond Dogs_ ), "Across the Universe" on _Young Americans,_ and "Wild Is the Wind" on here. And, of course, _Pin-Ups_ was a full cover album.
Wow! You tapped right into the depth on this! I believe you are the only one I've heard without any background that just reached in and beautifully said. Mr Bowie himself I believe would have agreed! 🌠🎶🕊
That was a fantastic analysis of this song. I love how Bowie's compositional skills follow each line of the lyrics so that the tempo and chord progression reflect the emotional core. He doesn't just write a verse/chorus back to verse typicality, but even changes the pace and emphasis of the expression even though it is essentially a verse to chorus sort of tune: it sticks with the emotional resonance. I do think this closing fade out is rather than 'heavenly' more mysterious and uncertain. I'm going to share this with a friend who was in The Man Who Fell to Earth. She said David was an extremely professional and focused person while filming and I'm wondering if she was aware of his going through this Word on a Wing trial.
Bowie felt somehow strange AS He mentioned. But in the film set he seemed to be almost terrified. Some alien power trying to corrupt him. I believe such forces are more than mad ideas of drug abuse.. Much has been speculated, but HASCHEM ( meaning: the Name ) is the jewish Word for creator god. Maybe in the Kabbalah also. God of Universe as protection against demons.
I agree with you about watching interviews with David! I did not do so until after he died, but I think I have probably watched every interview with him on youtube.
Some artists go through phases, Bowie had separate incarnations. From psychedelia to glam to soul, and even electronics, he was often accused of being a music fashionista but wherever he went, he was always at the leading edge. My favs are Low and Ziggy but there's a lot of good throughout.
Another performer you should watch some interviews with and listen to as well is Laurie Anderson. She was a classically trained violinist who became a well respected performance artist/performer. She did work with Peter Gabrial and was married to Lou Reed from 2008 until his death in 2013.
This is probably in my top 5 albums of his. I like Low, Lodger, Scary Monsters, and Heroes more (no order intended). But Station to Station and Aladdin Sane always battle for the #5 spot. As for the track, I love your analysis. Thanks!
Most people have Low or Hunky Dory as the best one: There's a case to be made for all of his LPs From Hunky to Scary (Pin-Ups aside) to be the best one. I love them all. - I suspect you're younger than I am; fwiw my top 5 are Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Station To Station, Scary Monsters (no order). I saw him a couple of times live; once at Earls Court in London in July 1978, which was like a Nuremberg rally/fan love in. Pretty much captured by the Stage LP .. and again in Milton Keynes bowl in 1983 touring the massively commercial Let's Dance, (which was pretty dull comparatively).
I actually fell in love with Bowie when he sang back up vocals on All the Young Dudes (Mott the Hoople) snd Satellite of Love (Lou Reed). I love to watch his interviews too. His voice entrances me. He recorded the album, 1. Outside from the perspective of several personas, all the segues were spoken by him. Now, that is a fascinating album
So glad you're still listening to Bowie! I must say when I first listened to him over a decade ago I was not ready for him, but I think deep down I recognized that his music deserved another try. I *love* his music. There's seriously so much to choose from. I'm excited for you to listen to songs from the following albums: The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, David Bowie, Young Americans, and Low.
Glad you are doing Station to Station album Some of his best stuff but not what a lot of people would have chosen to listen to first To me a prog album in the true sense Takes some listens but so worth it
Thank you, JP, for your thoughtful reaction and analysis of a classic Bowie tune. This has always been my least favorite song on this album, yet it is still brilliant. It is, as you say, Bowie at his most vulnerable. Bowie often creates characters and tells their stories through song, but this song feels like it is all David, rather than the Thin White Duke he portrayed at that time. This is my second favorite Bowie album, so I appreciate the time you are spending on each track. Looking forward to side 2!
This is a deep cut, I love it! Keep going with this album, there's not a dud on it. My favorite of his. Next album from Bowie should be Aladin Sane (A lad insane - so true). Another great one often over looked.
The fact that I don't remember this song tells me that it's been WAY too long since I listened to Station to Station. I've got a bit stuck on Heathen and Earthling (and, of course, Hunky Dory, which I adore).
It is like you are my younger brother going through my private stash of records! You get it...for being from another time in space, you get it! From the same album you must listen to "Stay"
Not generally a Bowie fan but l like anything l have heard. Nice to hear something besides "Space Oddity" or "Ch-ch-changes"! Keep up playing tracks l am not familiar with. I guess l was busy listening to Genesis Genesis Genesis! Bowie puts his heart on his sleeve every time.
Have to admit this song was not much on my radar. I was able to hear entire albums of David while visiting a particular artist friend. This album was one of many I took in at almost at once along with other wonderful new music albums of a great collection. Later, working near several record shops I tried to replicate this collection, got pretty close. Man Who Fell To Earth was also a favorite of this artist friend. I’ve seen it several times but will now have more insight. Thank you for giving this prayer song it’s proper due to me. It will get played more and I understand it more now. Your analysis and the wonderful personal, sometimes opposing comments bring new light to these songs from the past. Brilliant. Take care everyone, if you need help send a word on a wing or talk to someone, it’s not easy these days, and mask up pls, Peace and Music
Really enjoying going through what is fast becoming one of my favourite Bowie albums with ya. No idea how this one never made it into my collection, almost every other 70s Bowie album has been there at some point (most of them permanently, of course!).
As he matured so did his songwriting, Quite a few people prefered his more over the top songs,but for me I like some depth of meaning and honest songwriting! Have a great day-Peace.
I would continue exploring this album - who knows , might even become an album review at some point Another track you should check out is This Is Not America from the Falcon and the Snowman movie soundtrack - Pat Metheny composed and produced it - nice collaboration worth the time
My first listen as well and enjoyed the track. Nice breakdown of the song. JP I mentioned in a previous DB reaction that I believe Bowie is your type of singer based some of the male vocalist you tend to like (IE: David Sylvian). Enjoy the journey, the man has a s%#t load of great songs.
Great analysis, especially if this the the first time you heard it! A lovely vocal on the same lines as "Wild is the Wind". Just him and the mic in a studio with no pretence. Soul-bearingly honest.
Thank the lord for music! JP. Would love your take on two classics (to me.) Jon and Vangelis - Friends of Mr. Cairo Chris De Burgh - Spanish Train. You can get deep into the lyrics on these two. Keep up the great work!
David Bowie wrote this song as a prayer. You got that right. He knew if he didn't do something he was gonna die from all the drugs he was taking. At the time he was getting into Cabballah. Then he went to Berlin..lived with Iggy Pop and got clean. And that's where he wrote "Heroes".
This track is definitely my favorite from Station to Station and makes my top 10 of the whole discography. I love the piano driven ballads substantially, especially for the vocal depth David gives them. I think you're going to like Wild is the Wind just as much. TVC-15 and Stay are wild cards a little more in line with Golden Years, but I'm excited for those listens. After Station to Station is over and done with, a listen to the songs from Ziggy Stardust, Diamond Dogs, or Heroes will be well worth it. When you hear the glam rock and Berlin eras of Bowie, I feel you'll be majorly impressed. Diamond Dogs is the bridge between everything and the most diverse and cinematic album Bowie released in the 70s, and somehow underrated. A great listen.
@@JustJP *sob* These aged eyes can't make out the emote, and it's not one I recognize from my ancient (Galaxy S5) android selection. Can someone please tell me what Justin's response is?
@Paul-Martin Scheib I'll bet he'll get there eventually, after Tubular Bells. I hope to one day convince Justin to give Jean-Michel Jarre's Oxygène and Equinox listens...
He was indeed completely screwed up on cocaine when he made this album, but by the next album “low” in 1977, he was making a real effort to get clean, by the 1978 album “heroes” he was pretty much off narcotics, and pretty much only partaking in the strong german beer that was available to him in Berlin, Germany, where he lived and recorded “low” and “heroes” in 1977, and 1978 respectively--in 1980, 1981-ish, after John Lennon was murdered, he took a bit of a hiatus, and spent a lot of time with his young son, and also quit alcohol--by 1982-ish, he was sober completely, and never drank or drugged again for the rest of his days (the last 36 years of his life--except prob the morphine he got on doctors orders when he got cancer in the last 2, or so years , but that doesn’t count, pfffft)--anyway, from 1982/83 on, he was the epitome of class, the “gentleman rocker” as some refer to him--a perfect picture of a clear-headed, deep thinking, thoughtful, humorous, ....just a remarkable individual--he did however remain a heavy cigarette smoker....I think until about 2005-ish....his wife, Iman REALLY stayed in his ass to quit....and he did
You would dig Low or Heroes, two of his most experimental albums. Is there anyone who even gets close to his output between 1970-1980? To me, Bowie was the most important and influential artist of the ‘70s
He pretty much invented the talking heads with this song--and with this whole album, I think he pretty much invented the new wave sound, and the whole damn 1980’s....just my opinion
You should listen to sigur ros, their debut album from 1999, the song is svefn-g-englar and the video. I remember critics went crazy about this band, their sound and videos are out of this world.... lithrely.
Not my favorite Bowie song but a nice pick none the less. Reminds me of a summer in high school when a first girl friend would insist on hogging my turntable so I did not play any more Led Zeppelin. She always played Bowie, Rod Stewart or for some crazy reason Mott the Hoople. Speaking of Mott the Hoople, All the young Dudes and their first album is a nice in the shadows band to give a try. Cheers!
Not sure if you’re aware that Alll the Young Dudes was written by Bowie (AND he sang back up vocals with MTH). You’re GF was sneaking in MORE Bowie on ya! Lol!!
I would expect a wondrous woman to walk out of dreams. So surprise: it's some Higher being. Not defined specifically. Following the Singer to question His Motivation. Fame? Or some greater aim? I love Bowie's technique to approach one theme from different Angles. Often there are 2 speakers in conversation. Or more. That's interesting and skilfull.
If you're interested in interviews with Bowie, here are two very interesting ones: David asks why there aren't more black artists featured on MTV (in 1983), the response is pretty jaw-dropping: ruclips.net/video/XZGiVzIr8Qg/видео.html In a BBC interview from 1999, David predicts the incredible power of the internet and how open to abuse it is - extremely accurate with hindsight: ruclips.net/video/FiK7s_0tGsg/видео.html
I just checked and while it doesn't show that its blocked in any countries, I know that a few of mine unfortunately been specifically blocked in Denmark 🇩🇰 😟
This is always the song that always sticks with me the least from this album. While not bad, I feel "Lady Grinning Soul" from _Aladdin Sane_ is a better example of this style of song that Bowie did.
Lady Grinning Soul is really an example of David peaking at everything. Mike Garson and Mick Ronson peaked at that exact same time. Somehow the planets aligned and let us have the most beautiful, yet darkest song possible. It's the song I think about when I see the artwork, and it's not just any artwork. That is the most iconic album cover Bowie ever had. For Lady Grinning Soul to be so striking on an album full of gems has to signify brilliance.
Bowie was master at both the hit single and the deep cut. I can't say that I agree with the lyrics to this song (at all) but melodically it's a beautiful song, and it's always great to hear a passionate vocal delivery. Is it a classic? No. But it's good.
This album and its predecessor, Young Americans, were an enigma to me when they were released. For the first time Bowie seemed to have lost his creative spark. This is a nice song, but not innovative, which we had come to expect from him. To me he is for the first time, content with imitation. These are loungey , soul, funk records, but nothing new. He had become drug addled and it shows. Even so the talent is there, there are still some nice pop soul songs on these records. Thankfully his next records would find he had recovered his muse, in Germany. Thankfully.
Yeah, I hated Young Americans when it came out (still do!). Diamond Dogs hinted at the change to come slightly, but the change was too great for my 15 year old mind. Station To Station was a step in the right direction, but I still missed the old Bowie. I love the vocals on STS, but the songs don't do a lot for me.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
God knows how many times i cried listen to this song alone in the dark
you aren't/weren't alone brother...
@@stevenmurano7863 Boy, can I relate.
Good lord, self-torture.
This song is so intense you can't help but get emotional. Gets to me too.
Bless your soul.
Bowie: "There were days of such psychological terror when making the Roeg film that I nearly started to approach my reborn, born again thing. There was a point when I very nearly got suckered into that narrow sort of looking…finding the cross as the salvation of mankind."
In a interview on Ellen Degeneres' show, he said, "Budhism appealed to me and I thought ‘There’s salvation’. It didn’t really work. Then I went through Nietzsche, Satanism, Christianity, Pottery…"
I love his range of vocals and how passionately they're sung. Bowie goes spriitual.
He wrote this at the height of his drug addiction. It's a real cry for help if ever there was one. Amazing song. Still affects me to this day. x
Yeah his diet consisted of cocaine, milk and peppers. He said he didn’t really remember writing/recording this album. That’s crazy! If I had to choose this is my favourite Bowie album , but will admit I love most of his albums he was and still is my Goat ✌️
He did a stunning live version of this on the MTV show Storytellers back in 1999 (the whole show is actually FANTASTIC), with his later line-up of Plati, Gabriels, Dorsey, Sterling & the magnificent Garson on keyboards. I don't understand why people dismiss his later bandmates, Bowie always spotted & surrounded himself with talent. You had to be on your toes to keep up with his enormous & varied catalog. I understand having favorites for sure, but ALL deserve respect.
Bowie dared to be different. He paved his own path to stardom against all odds.
So much appreciation for low which was considered far too experimental. 👏👏👏
The first time I heard this song, I was in Westport, Ct. next door to Dan Hartman's house, with an old girlfriend of mine. That was in 1976. Fast track to 1992: My late older brother met Bowie in NYC during the recording sessions for his 'Black Tie, White Noise' album. He spent an entire evening with David in the studio, talking to him, and listening to playbacks from the album, including this one: Bowie's version of Morrissey's "I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday".
Such a moving and personal song...thank you for listening.
I was happy to!
in the beginning of the song, he's subdued, in despair, as the song progresses that changes to empowerment. This is a brilliant piece. One of the songs I cut my teeth on in the '70s. Absolutely brilliant stuff and STATIONTOSTATION was an immediate love for me as an album.
"Stay" from Station to Station
"Always Crashing in the Same Car" from Low
"The Bewlay Brothers" from Hunky Dory
"I'm Deranged" from Outside
"Lady Grinning Soul" or "Aladdin Sane" from Aladdin Sane
"Rock 'n' Roll Suicide" from Ziggy Stardust.
S'il vous plaît. Por favor. Please
And Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing Reprise! Jumping in,great list!
Excellents choix mon ami ;-)
Always crashing in the same car est un bijou de mélancolie. Si tu ne connais pas déjà, je te conseille l'artiste Robert Wyatt
If you go beyond the hits, you'll often find some of his best songs like Word on a Wing
Like soul love in the rise and fall
Outstanding take for your first listen. Bowie was at the “jumping off place” and you’re right, this song was a turning point for him personally. You have a talent for breaking it all down. Great job! 👍🎹
I really appreciate that Tom :D
I saw Bowie ... Boston Garden ... Station to Station Tour
His vocal performance on Wild as the Wind is only rivaled by Sweet Thing, imo and that probably doesn't count for much. Thank you for doing this masterpiece of an album. Stay is amazing. Love and RIP Bowie
You don't know (yet) how true your comment is about how he can change his voice. From song to song & even within one song. I always tell folks to listen to something like "Lady Grinning Soul" followed by "Cat People". How can that be one guy? lol (Another great bit of trivia is the story told by Pat Metheny, who collaborated on "This is Not America". After finishing most of the recording, Metheny said 'ok we'll bring in 2 girl singers for the backing vocals'. Bowie says, "hell with that, I'll do the 2 extra tracks". He proceeded to do what anyone would swear was FEMALE backing vocals. Listen to that sometime.)
Great reaction! One of my very favorite Bowie songs. Which is saying a lot because I have many many favorite Bowie songs. So good to hear a reaction to it!
Appreciate that!
It's definitely one of my favourite songs from Bowie,his vocals delivery towards the end gives me chills every time,very emotional song.
Wild Is The Wing also from Station To Station is a same type of song,the song of desperation and longing. It's a cover of the song by Nina Simone,but you would never know it,because he sounds so sincere and confident in singing those lyrics.
*"Wild Is the WIND." It's interesting that Bowie often snuck in a cover on his albums during this era: "Fill Your Heart" on _Hunky Dory,_ "It Ain't Easy" on _Ziggy Stardust,_ "Let's Spend the Night Together" on _Aladdin Sane,_ (there wasn't one on _Diamond Dogs_ ), "Across the Universe" on _Young Americans,_ and "Wild Is the Wind" on here. And, of course, _Pin-Ups_ was a full cover album.
Wow! You tapped right into the depth on this! I believe you are the only one I've heard without any background that just reached in and beautifully said. Mr Bowie himself I believe would have agreed! 🌠🎶🕊
45 years ago, what's comparable today? Nowadays people don't listen to albums, luckily here we do!
Such a beautiful song from one of my all-time favorite albums!!
I very much like your reaction on this beautiful song. Very well done. Always loved these lyrics. Now I understand more of them. Thanks.
Ty so much MJP!
That was a fantastic analysis of this song. I love how Bowie's compositional skills follow each line of the lyrics so that the tempo and chord progression reflect the emotional core. He doesn't just write a verse/chorus back to verse typicality, but even changes the pace and emphasis of the expression even though it is essentially a verse to chorus sort of tune: it sticks with the emotional resonance. I do think this closing fade out is rather than 'heavenly' more mysterious and uncertain. I'm going to share this with a friend who was in The Man Who Fell to Earth. She said David was an extremely professional and focused person while filming and I'm wondering if she was aware of his going through this Word on a Wing trial.
Beautiful song - one of his very best
The original title of The Man Who Fell to Earth was "A Stranger in a Strange Land" Maybe that's what that line is referring to.
Bowie felt somehow strange AS He mentioned. But in the film set he seemed to be almost terrified. Some alien power trying to corrupt him. I believe such forces are more than mad ideas of drug abuse.. Much has been speculated, but HASCHEM ( meaning: the Name ) is the jewish Word for creator god.
Maybe in the Kabbalah also. God of Universe as protection against demons.
@@susannabonke8552 I'll have some of what you're on, Susanna ;)
@@mana3735 😊😂👻
@@mana3735 my imagination is almost limitless. No Wonder David Bowie fascinates me.
Very clever reaction and analysis
Ty Romy!
This is actually a pretty spot on analysis of the song.
I agree with you about watching interviews with David! I did not do so until after he died, but I think I have probably watched every interview with him on youtube.
My favorite Bowie song, so moving !
Some artists go through phases, Bowie had separate incarnations. From psychedelia to glam to soul, and even electronics, he was often accused of being a music fashionista but wherever he went, he was always at the leading edge. My favs are Low and Ziggy but there's a lot of good throughout.
Another performer you should watch some interviews with and listen to as well is Laurie Anderson. She was a classically trained violinist who became a well respected performance artist/performer. She did work with Peter Gabrial and was married to Lou Reed from 2008 until his death in 2013.
This song makes my heart melt. SO GREAT!
This is probably in my top 5 albums of his. I like Low, Lodger, Scary Monsters, and Heroes more (no order intended). But Station to Station and Aladdin Sane always battle for the #5 spot. As for the track, I love your analysis. Thanks!
Most people have Low or Hunky Dory as the best one:
There's a case to be made for all of his LPs From Hunky to Scary (Pin-Ups aside) to be the best one. I love them all. - I suspect you're younger than I am; fwiw my top 5 are Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Station To Station, Scary Monsters (no order).
I saw him a couple of times live; once at Earls Court in London in July 1978, which was like a Nuremberg rally/fan love in. Pretty much captured by the Stage LP
.. and again in Milton Keynes bowl in 1983 touring the massively commercial Let's Dance, (which was pretty dull comparatively).
@@briangray00 Cool. Yes I'm a bit younger I believe but I was born in the 60s. I love all those albums too, its tough to pick a top 5. Cheers!
I actually fell in love with Bowie when he sang back up vocals on All the Young Dudes (Mott the Hoople) snd Satellite of Love (Lou Reed). I love to watch his interviews too. His voice entrances me.
He recorded the album, 1. Outside from the perspective of several personas, all the segues were spoken by him. Now, that is a fascinating album
So glad you're still listening to Bowie! I must say when I first listened to him over a decade ago I was not ready for him, but I think deep down I recognized that his music deserved another try. I *love* his music. There's seriously so much to choose from. I'm excited for you to listen to songs from the following albums: The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, David Bowie, Young Americans, and Low.
Which David Bowie are you talking about, there are 2
Glad you are doing Station to Station album Some of his best stuff but not what a lot of people would have chosen to listen to first To me a prog album in the true sense Takes some listens but so worth it
Thank you, JP, for your thoughtful reaction and analysis of a classic Bowie tune. This has always been my least favorite song on this album, yet it is still brilliant. It is, as you say, Bowie at his most vulnerable. Bowie often creates characters and tells their stories through song, but this song feels like it is all David, rather than the Thin White Duke he portrayed at that time. This is my second favorite Bowie album, so I appreciate the time you are spending on each track. Looking forward to side 2!
This is a deep cut, I love it! Keep going with this album, there's not a dud on it. My favorite of his. Next album from Bowie should be Aladin Sane (A lad insane - so true). Another great one often over looked.
The fact that I don't remember this song tells me that it's been WAY too long since I listened to Station to Station. I've got a bit stuck on Heathen and Earthling (and, of course, Hunky Dory, which I adore).
Thank YOU Dr. Fox!
Great video, loved hearing your perspective on one of my all time favorite Bowie songs
Such an interesting lyric - a coked out tho elegant but desperate prayer with Roy Bittan’s piano.
It’s a very solid piece on a great album. TVC15 is super fun but the track I love is Stay which are the next two up! Enjoy it JP!
It is like you are my younger brother going through my private stash of records! You get it...for being from another time in space, you get it! From the same album you must listen to "Stay"
Haha ty! We definitely will
My song of the day - now I'm ready to shape the scheme of things!
Not generally a Bowie fan but l like anything l have heard. Nice to hear something besides "Space Oddity" or "Ch-ch-changes"! Keep up playing tracks l am not familiar with. I guess l was busy listening to Genesis Genesis Genesis! Bowie puts his heart on his sleeve every time.
not sure how I missed this...this is one of my favorite bowie songs...sons of the silent age is another...
Fave bowie song ever
Have to admit this song was not much on my radar. I was able to hear entire albums of David while visiting a particular artist friend. This album was one of many I took in at almost at once along with other wonderful new music albums of a great collection. Later, working near several record shops I tried to replicate this collection, got pretty close.
Man Who Fell To Earth was also a favorite of this artist friend. I’ve seen it several times but will now have more insight.
Thank you for giving this prayer song it’s proper due to me. It will get played more and I understand it more now. Your analysis and the wonderful personal, sometimes opposing comments bring new light to these songs from the past. Brilliant.
Take care everyone, if you need help send a word on a wing or talk to someone, it’s not easy these days, and mask up pls,
Peace and Music
Ty David, I feel the same reading everyone else's comments as well😄
such a touching song, one of my personal favorites. this video is a gem thank you!
Really enjoying going through what is fast becoming one of my favourite Bowie albums with ya. No idea how this one never made it into my collection, almost every other 70s Bowie album has been there at some point (most of them permanently, of course!).
Awesome Joseph, glad you're enjoying it as well!
"Crooned" is the word you're looking for. The vocals are more crooned at the start of the song!
Ah you got it!
Enjoyed that a lot. I said before that he did not do much for me when he was alive but upon his death I am rediscovering his music. 👌
You’re so good at breaking these down thank you 🙏
Ty John!!
Great song. Thank you
As he matured so did his songwriting, Quite a few people prefered his more over the top songs,but for me I like some depth of meaning and honest songwriting! Have a great day-Peace.
What a beautiful song, glad you enjoyed it. Just great to see you react to this gems
Ty Cass!
The 1999 paris version brings on the water works. It's a beautiful song.
I would continue exploring this album - who knows , might even become an album review at some point
Another track you should check out is This Is Not America from the Falcon and the Snowman movie soundtrack - Pat Metheny composed and produced it - nice collaboration worth the time
Bowie has always been so original while writing his lyrics: '' Word on a wing = sending my prayers to God''
I loved to see you sway, like a prayer, to this song. There is another song where he goes into the deep: Thru these Architecs Eyes (Outside)
My first listen as well and enjoyed the track. Nice breakdown of the song. JP I mentioned in a previous DB reaction that I believe Bowie is your type of singer based some of the male vocalist you tend to like (IE: David Sylvian). Enjoy the journey, the man has a s%#t load of great songs.
Youre exactly right Dukes, thats what draws me into his voice
Great analysis, especially if this the the first time you heard it! A lovely vocal on the same lines as "Wild is the Wind". Just him and the mic in a studio with no pretence. Soul-bearingly honest.
Ty Dave!
There’s a documentary on the Pixies called loudQUIETloud and he does some very interesting commentary on that. He was also a big fan of theirs
Thank the lord for music! JP. Would love your take on two classics (to me.)
Jon and Vangelis - Friends of Mr. Cairo
Chris De Burgh - Spanish Train.
You can get deep into the lyrics on these two. Keep up the great work!
Ty! I have Jon and Van on my list
Just hearing the lyric - he’s telling God that he’s ready to be co-creator! Such interesting lyrics
That's what being an artist is about.
David Bowie wrote this song as a prayer. You got that right. He knew if he didn't do something he was gonna die from all the drugs he was taking. At the time he was getting into Cabballah. Then he went to Berlin..lived with Iggy Pop and got clean. And that's where he wrote "Heroes".
This track is definitely my favorite from Station to Station and makes my top 10 of the whole discography. I love the piano driven ballads substantially, especially for the vocal depth David gives them. I think you're going to like Wild is the Wind just as much. TVC-15 and Stay are wild cards a little more in line with Golden Years, but I'm excited for those listens. After Station to Station is over and done with, a listen to the songs from Ziggy Stardust, Diamond Dogs, or Heroes will be well worth it. When you hear the glam rock and Berlin eras of Bowie, I feel you'll be majorly impressed. Diamond Dogs is the bridge between everything and the most diverse and cinematic album Bowie released in the 70s, and somehow underrated. A great listen.
Ty Chris!
@@JustJP Absolutely, king!
Before I watch this video: This is probably my fave Bowie song of all time, so...
...and I wasn't disappointed with your reaction. The best, deepest, most intelligent reaction vids on RUclips, mate.
Tyty🙂
this album was recorded at his lowest point so this song was his cry for help, his words.
If the schedule stays as planned, I'm *really* looking forward to Tubular Bells, Part 1 tomorrow!
🎊
@@JustJP
*sob*
These aged eyes can't make out the emote, and it's not one I recognize from my ancient (Galaxy S5) android selection. Can someone please tell me what Justin's response is?
@@IllumeEltanin haha, just some celebratory bells😄
@@JustJP
Huzzah!
Then still looking forward to tomorrow!
@Paul-Martin Scheib
I'll bet he'll get there eventually, after Tubular Bells.
I hope to one day convince Justin to give Jean-Michel Jarre's Oxygène and Equinox listens...
He was indeed completely screwed up on cocaine when he made this album, but by the next album “low” in 1977, he was making a real effort to get clean, by the 1978 album “heroes” he was pretty much off narcotics, and pretty much only partaking in the strong german beer that was available to him in Berlin, Germany, where he lived and recorded “low” and “heroes” in 1977, and 1978 respectively--in 1980, 1981-ish, after John Lennon was murdered, he took a bit of a hiatus, and spent a lot of time with his young son, and also quit alcohol--by 1982-ish, he was sober completely, and never drank or drugged again for the rest of his days (the last 36 years of his life--except prob the morphine he got on doctors orders when he got cancer in the last 2, or so years , but that doesn’t count, pfffft)--anyway, from 1982/83 on, he was the epitome of class, the “gentleman rocker” as some refer to him--a perfect picture of a clear-headed, deep thinking, thoughtful, humorous, ....just a remarkable individual--he did however remain a heavy cigarette smoker....I think until about 2005-ish....his wife, Iman REALLY stayed in his ass to quit....and he did
Excellent song: think this could easily have fitted onto Blackstar in mood and vocal delivery.
fantastic song...i gotta say tho...there is a live version that was included on the extended release of the cd that's even better...fantastic...
From despair to new confidence.
Yes!😃
@@JustJP but even in the beginning he is quite happy to have been found by that spiritual Power. The music tells it.
You would dig Low or Heroes, two of his most experimental albums. Is there anyone who even gets close to his output between 1970-1980? To me, Bowie was the most important and influential artist of the ‘70s
Ty David!
Paul-Martin Scheib yes, they are Excellent!
Bowie always found a way how to fuck with your emotions
He pretty much invented the talking heads with this song--and with this whole album, I think he pretty much invented the new wave sound, and the whole damn 1980’s....just my opinion
You should listen to sigur ros, their debut album from 1999, the song is svefn-g-englar and the video. I remember critics went crazy about this band, their sound and videos are out of this world.... lithrely.
Literally?
I would like to see your reaction to Whaling Stories by Procol Harum.
some deep cuts to check out - "Aladdin Sane", "Young Americans"
Mia favorita di BOWIE con Rock' n roll suicide Moonage Daydream Five years
Great songs!
Not my favorite Bowie song but a nice pick none the less. Reminds me of a summer in high school when a first girl friend would insist on hogging my turntable so I did not play any more Led Zeppelin. She always played Bowie, Rod Stewart or for some crazy reason Mott the Hoople. Speaking of Mott the Hoople, All the young Dudes and their first album is a nice in the shadows band to give a try. Cheers!
Not sure if you’re aware that Alll the Young Dudes was written by Bowie (AND he sang back up vocals with MTH). You’re GF was sneaking in MORE Bowie on ya! Lol!!
I would expect a wondrous woman to walk out of dreams. So surprise: it's some Higher being. Not defined specifically. Following the Singer to question His Motivation. Fame? Or some greater aim? I love Bowie's technique to approach one theme from different Angles. Often there are 2 speakers in conversation. Or more. That's interesting and skilfull.
This song has an unusual Peter Hamill/VdGG feel to it (in context to your VdGG reactions). Just needs Jackson's sax.
It does doesnt it?
If you're interested in interviews with Bowie, here are two very interesting ones:
David asks why there aren't more black artists featured on MTV (in 1983), the response is pretty jaw-dropping:
ruclips.net/video/XZGiVzIr8Qg/видео.html
In a BBC interview from 1999, David predicts the incredible power of the internet and how open to abuse it is - extremely accurate with hindsight:
ruclips.net/video/FiK7s_0tGsg/видео.html
Ty Glyn, I've watched both actually and I love them!
Justin, do you know why I am blocked, from seeing your Tubular bells upload? Blocked in my country? Denmark?
I just checked and while it doesn't show that its blocked in any countries, I know that a few of mine unfortunately been specifically blocked in Denmark 🇩🇰 😟
This is always the song that always sticks with me the least from this album. While not bad, I feel "Lady Grinning Soul" from _Aladdin Sane_ is a better example of this style of song that Bowie did.
Lady Grinning Soul is really an example of David peaking at everything. Mike Garson and Mick Ronson peaked at that exact same time. Somehow the planets aligned and let us have the most beautiful, yet darkest song possible. It's the song I think about when I see the artwork, and it's not just any artwork. That is the most iconic album cover Bowie ever had. For Lady Grinning Soul to be so striking on an album full of gems has to signify brilliance.
I love them both !!
Dude, your take on this song is so unbelievably off that it would be comical were it not so tragic; it’s like missing the proverbial side of the barn.
Thanks. Here's a nice version from vh-1 storytellers: ruclips.net/video/zIlym-qoV5c/видео.html
Bowie was master at both the hit single and the deep cut. I can't say that I agree with the lyrics to this song (at all) but melodically it's a beautiful song,
and it's always great to hear a passionate vocal delivery.
Is it a classic? No. But it's good.
This album and its predecessor, Young Americans, were an enigma to me when they were released. For the first time Bowie seemed to have lost his creative spark. This is a nice song, but not innovative, which we had come to expect from him. To me he is for the first time, content with imitation. These are loungey , soul, funk records, but nothing new. He had become drug addled and it shows. Even so the talent is there, there are still some nice pop soul songs on these records. Thankfully his next records would find he had recovered his muse, in Germany. Thankfully.
I agree about Young Americans, but I really love this album for some reason. It is in my top 5 from him for sure.
Yeah, I hated Young Americans when it came out (still do!). Diamond Dogs hinted at the change to come slightly, but the change was too great for my 15 year old mind. Station To Station was a step in the right direction, but I still missed the old Bowie. I love the vocals on STS, but the songs don't do a lot for me.